Research
Communication Mechanism of Covenants in Spring and Autumn Period - Ren Zhongfeng

[Abstract] Covenants were a very unique historical phenomenon in the Spring and Autumn period, and covenant communication became an important means of international communication during that time. Ren Zhongfeng's Communication Mechanism of Covenants in Spring and Autumn Period explores issues including the needs, nature, persuasion, rituals, agenda, covenant documents, and collapse of the covenant communication system. The book argues that "covenant communication" among feudal states in the Spring and Autumn period refers to a form of international communication whereby states convened meetings and covenant ceremonies at agreed times and locations following specific procedures and rituals, to maintain friendship, coordinate conflicts, handle affairs, reach consensus, conclude agreements, formulate rules, allocate powers on specific matters and agenda. The covenant communication system dominated by hegemons reflected and embodied the international interests and power order of a period, and covenant communication was essentially a means for the international community to adjust interest relations and power order.

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